I got this recently, but hesitated to post, after previously being told by folks on the hardware list "thats too much". Perhaps not, compared to the RNG-810 that Paul Elliot spoke of. Forwarded message:

From bierman@cc.ruu.nl Mon Feb 7 08:44:23 1994 Date: Mon, 7 Feb 1994 17:42:36 +0100 Message-Id: <199402071642.AA18036@accucx.cc.ruu.nl> X-Sender: bierman@accucx.cc.ruu.nl Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: bart@netcom.com (Harry Bartholomew) From: bierman@cc.ruu.nl (Dick J. Bierman) Subject: Re: Your hardware RNG

NOW AVAILABLE (second series)/ ordering info at the end of this file/

Hardware Random Number Generator

Random Number Generator Excerpt from the USER MANUAL

How the RNG works The Random Number Generator consists of two independent analogue Zener diode based noise sources. Both signals are converted into random bit streams, combined and subsequently transmitted in the form of bytes to the RS-232 port of your computer. Special timing circuits ensure that crucial logical operations occur at moments that the device has stable signals. The baud rate is 9600. So the device is capable of supplying you with about 960 random bytes or 7600 random bits per second Power is drawn from the RTS and TXD signal. (pins 4 and 2 of the D-25 connector). In order to work properly the RTS signal should be high (5 volts or higher) and one should not send bytes to the device!

WARNING: part of the RNG is shielded. It is not recommend to open the device. It is not allowed to copy or use the design of the RNG without written permission of the developer, the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Man and Matter (FREMM).

The testdata Each RNG passes a 256 run randomness test before being shipped. Each run consists of 8192 samples. The unselected results of this test are included with the package. If at the end of the test runs the cumulative first order deviation is larger than 1.5 standard deviations the RNG is tested another 20 times. If it is accepted after these 20 tests this will be indicated.

How to connect the RNG to the computer The RNG is functionally similar to a 'crazy' modem producing random information to your machine. It should be connected like any modem. In some cases when the computer has a standard D-25 male connector you can plug the RNG directly into that connector. In other cases (e.g.. for Apple machines) you have to connect the RNG through a standard modem cable.

SOFTWARE supplied on the disk

DOS

The program RTEST (for listing see appendix) takes two arguments.

RTEST <port> <ncycles>

<port> indicates which serial port is used (either 1 or 2. (default:2)). <ncycles> gives the number of test runs. One test run consists of reading 26500 bytes and calculating the Chi-2 and the number of bits on each one of the eight positions within the byte. If more test runs are specified the numbers (except the chi-2) accumulate. If the program is started it will display one sample from the specified port. More samples can be displayed by hitting the ENTER-key. Continuous sampling of the test runs is started by the ESC key. The results will be available for further statistical analysis in the textfile 'TEST'.

The program RAND3 takes one argument.

RAND3 <port>

This program starts in the same way as RTEST by displaying individual samples after each time the ENTER key is hit. . After hitting the ESC key continuous sampling starts and the bytes are displayed tin a graphical form in real time. The continuous samples can be restarted by hitting the space- bar. Exit through the ESC key.

The software addresses the serial port directly. It is also possible to implement a driver which is interrupt driven (like the software supplied for the Mac). A driver is available upon request and can also be obtained electronically from the FTPsite: PSI_LINE.psy.uva.nl in directory GUESTS/RNG/SOFTWARE/DOS In the near future this site will also offer PK-test programs.

Macintosh

The Macintosh software is based upon the standard serial port drivers rather than on direct access of the serial ports. The bufferspace for this driver should be large enough to hold incoming bytes while the driver is active and no reading occurs. In cases where this is not clear one should close the driver and reopen it when needed. In the examples the modem-port is used. In the listings it is indicated how to use the printer-port.

RNG_test The program rng_test will ask for the number of test runs to perform. Each test run consists of 8192 samples. The chi-2 (df=255) and the number of '1' bits minus the number of '0' bits on each of the positions within the byte are displayed after each run. Chance expectation is of course 0. When more runs are specified the cumulative number of '1' bits minus the cumulative number of '0' bits are displayed as well as the corresponding standard deviation. All data are saved in the file RNGTESTDATA. Each run on a separate line and the data separated by spaces.

__________ END OF EXCERPT FROM USER MANUAL _______

ORDERING INFORMATION:

Single unit: $195, -excl shipping; add $10 shippng for the US & Asia, $5 for Europe

Reduction is possible for larger quantities.

Send check to: Stichting FREMM Alexanderkade 1 1018 CH Amsterdam The Netherlands

Make check payable to: Stichting FREMM

or send your order by FAX to:

(+31) 20 4206075

With a signed specificiation of your mastercardnumber & expiration date.

Contact for more info: bierman@cc.ruu.nl

_______ DJB________